1947 – 1954 Chevy & GMC Classic Trucks Buyers Guide – Classic Truck

Buyers Guide for all 1947 - 1954 Chevy & GMC Classic Trucks.

Whether you’re in the market for, already building, or simply want to get that ’47-54 (and of course First Series ’55) Chevrolet Advance Design or GMC 1/2-ton pickup on the road once and for all, the following Buyer’s Guide might just be what the doctor ordered. The following pages contain everything from complete chassis to IFS kits, sheetmetal to rubber, and probably a little of everything in between-but even more important, where to get it! Enjoy, and be sure to mention who referred you when you start making those calls!

Dynacorn InternationalFrom the manufacturer of some of the finest reproduction parts in the automotive industry comes the innovation of the decade. Dynacorn is pleased to announce the arrival of the Advance Design Series Chevy truck cab replacement body shell (PN TR47PU for ’47-50; TR52PU for ’52-54 cab). A licensed GM restoration product, each comes complete with doors, steel dash assembly, and cab floor braces. The truck cabs are available in three- or five-window variations. MSRP is $8,995 plus a crating and handling charge of $250. Dynacorn International, Inc.: 805-486-2612; www.dynacorn.com (for dealer location).

LMC TruckThanks to LMC Truck, you can replace your pitted or dented grille with this all-new chrome grille assembly, which is an OE-style replacement for the ’47-53 Chevy truck. The face edges of the grille bars are chromed and the splash bars have a cream-colored painted finish. The splash bars can be removed and painted to match the color of your truck. Grilles are preassembled and shipped ready for easy installation. LMC Truck: 800-LMC-TRUCK; www.lmctruck.com.

Classic Performance ProductsClassic Performance Products’ newly redesigned power steering conversion kit now includes everything you need to convert to your ’47-54 Chevrolet truck to power steering. CPP’s complete kit has a new telescoping safety shaft assembly that connects between two new U-joints, and the steering column will bolt directly into the cab with no modifications. The kit also includes a new pitman and steering arm and the new adjustable tie rod assembly features late-model ends. CPP’s power steering conversion kit can be purchased with everything you need from a steering wheel and drop axle to belts and hoses for the power steering pump, or parts can be purchased individually. Available with standard, quick, or variable-ratio power steering boxes. Classic Performance Products, Inc.: 800-830-1724; www.classicperform.com.

Chevs Of The 40’sChevs of the 40’s is excited to offer a fully polished, bolt-in, complete stainless steel, dual shotgun exhaust system to fit ’47-55 (First Series) Chevy trucks with Fenton headers. No drilling, cutting, or modification necessary. Comes with everything needed for a quick install: head pipes, “shotgun” tail pipes, dual in/out stainless mufflers, stainless hangers, stainless clamps, and instructions. The system runs down the driver side for a neat, clean fit. Installs in less than an hour! The complete system is $675 (PN 3683656FE). Chevs of the 40’s: 800-999-CHEV; www.chevsofthe40s.com.

Fatman FabricationsWhy hassle with your old rusty frame? Fatman’s complete jig-built frame packages can be ordered with many options such as coilovers, a ShockWave air ride, Baer or Wilwood brakes, and more. All body mounts, complete four-bar rear with 9-inch axle and polished stainless front control arms are standard. Fatman has over 25 years of experience in precision-engineered suspension packages and chassis for hot rods, classic cars, and trucks. Fatman Fabrications: 704-545-0369; www.fatmanfab.com.

Dakota DigitalDakota Digital LAT-NR330 ’40-53 Chevy truck LED lighting systems are engineered to utilize your existing wiring harness, taillight lens and assembly for your ’40-53 Chevy truck. Whether you have OEM wiring or have updated to a new style harness, installation is effortless! LED modules are included for both left and right rear brake lights. Dakota Digital LED taillight modules are backed by a limited lifetime warranty. Dakota Digital: 800-852-3228; www.dakotadigital.com.

Brothers TrucksBROTHERS custom billet gauge panels are one of its hottest selling items for the ’47-54 Chevys. Each panel is machined from billet aluminum and given a brushed finish. Quality gauges are then “back-mounted” for a fantastic custom look. The unit comes completely assembled and easily bolts into your dash without modification. Sets include speedometer, oil pressure, water temperature, voltage, and fuel gauges. All gauges are electric (except speedometer) and BROTHERS supplies the necessary sending units. BROTHERS: 800-977-2767; www.brotherstrucks.com.

Horkey’s Wood And PartsFrom stock to custom, winners choose Horkey’s Wood and Parts for top-quality domestic and exotic hardwood, and stainless pickup bed floors. Since 1980, they have supplied truck builders with the best fitting, highest quality parts available. Whether you have a daily driver or a full-on show truck, give Horkey’s a call to discuss your needs. Their knowledgeable staff will help you achieve your goal. Horkey’s also has wood finishing supplies to complete bed boxes, as well as steel and fiberglass fenders and running boards. Horkey’s Wood and Parts: 507-831-5625;www.horkeyswoodandparts.com.

Vintage AirKeep your ’47-54 Chevy truck cool and comfortable with a complete Gen II SureFit A/C system. The Gen II is engineered specifically for the AD Series Chevy trucks, can be configured for almost any engine combination, and allows installation of all components with minimal drilling or metal cutting. The Gen II features electronic servo motor mode controls and a CAD-designed case for maximum airflow. Vintage Air is a pioneer of performance air conditioning and has remained a trusted name in climate control systems for 32 years. Vintage Air, Inc.: 800-862-6658; www.vintageair.com.

Ron Francis WiringRon Francis Wiring offers a complete wiring harness custom-tailored just for your ’48-54 GM truck (XP-735; $429.95). Kits are available for eight or six-cylinder engines with either fuel injection or carburetion, and electronic or points ignition. Each harness can also be adapted to stock or aftermarket steering columns as well as a wide variety of options. Features include 18 circuits on six fuses, four Select-A-Fuses, and can handle in excess of a 100-amp alternator. Ron Francis Wiring: 800-292-1940; www.ronfrancis.com.

New Port EngineeringNew Port Engineering will be marking the 20th anniversary of the Clean Wipe Wiper Drive in 2008, which is available for ’47-54 and First-Series ’55 Chevrolet trucks. Now you can update your original vacuum wiper motor with a new heavy-duty, two-speed, self-parking 12-volt electric motor that bolts directly into the stock brackets and connects to the stock wiper transmission linkage arms. Each kit comes complete with nylon bushings to replace the rubber grommets in the wiper transmission linkage arms. Standard features include a two-speed rotary switch and wiring harness. Optional features include an intermittent delay switch, washer pump, and power inverter for six-volt operation. New Port Engineering: 800-829-1929; www.newportwipers.com.

Roadster ShopThe Roadster Shop’s ’47-54 Chevy chassis are completely fixture welded and jig built. All components are TIG welded for added strength and appearance. Fully boxed framerails provide far superior strength compared to stock. Frames bolt up directly to all factory body, bumper, core support, bed, and running board mounts for an easy installation. Lowered ride height features are standard for the street rodder look and stance and an Air Ride option is available for the added adjustability. Heidt’s Superide IFS, Wilwood brakes, triangulated four-link, and a Ford 9-inch rearend are standard options. A full range of custom options is also available. Roadster Shop: 847-949-7637; www.roadstershop.com.

Heidt’sHeidt’s all new Superride II IFS is not a Mustang conversion kit-the system uses its famous Mustang II dropped spindle to allow for a front-mount rack-and-pinion unit to ease motor installation. It uses a geometry design very similar to the Mustang II, which works well on classic trucks. The upper control arms use threaded adjusters for the wheel alignment. “Smooth” describes the ride: very low and highly steerable with no bumpsteer and built-in antidive. Installing the three-piece crossmember is an easy operation. Combined with detailed instructions, your installation will be as trouble-free as the ride with your new Superide II. Heidt’s Hot Rod & Muscle Car Shop: 800-841-8188; www.heidts.com.

Performance OnlinePerformance Online, Inc. (POL) has available for ’47-54 Chevy/GMC trucks, an 11-inch/five-lug front power disc brake conversion kit. The system includes a firewall mount and power disc brake booster, as well as complete rotors and calipers with bearings, hoses, brackets, power booster, dual master cylinder, and proportioning valve. Upgrade your original straight axle to disc brakes using the popular 5×4 3/4 Camaro rotor. All necessary hardware is included and each kit comes with a lifetime warranty. The kit shown comes with optional cross-drilled and gas-slotted rotors (available as an upgrade) and may not work with all wheels. Performance Online, Inc.: 800-638-1703; www.performanceonline.com.

Ididit, inc.Introducing ididit’s newest addition to its retrofit Made To Fit Series of columns: The ’47-54 Chevy truck tilt column. This brand-new, 100-percent American-made design is a direct bolt-in and connects directly to a stock box or even rack-and-pinion steering applications. Standard features include eight-position tilt and four-way flashers. Available finishes include paintable steel, chrome, black powdercoated, and brushed or polished aluminum. ididit, Inc.: 517-424-0577; www.ididitinc.com.

Classic InstrumentsUpdate your truck’s dash with these fully electronic instruments from Classic Instruments. By using its GM dash brackets, any of Classic’s 5-inch gauges can be installed into your stock Chevy instrument bezels. Six unique face styles are available or Classic can design a custom look as an option. The speedometer is programmable with one button and the tach works with any engine/trans combo. Classic is celebrating their 31st year of providing the ultimate in precision instruments for classics and performance vehicles. Classic Instruments, Inc.: 800-575-0461; www.classicinstruments.com.

Total Cost InvolvedIntroducing the all-new Total Cost Involved Engineering ’47-53 Chevy truck chassis. Its CAD-engineered with 2×8 fully boxed framerails to protect the under-body components and a rigid K-member design for more strength and durability. The complete chassis includes six bolt-on running board brackets, cab mounts, and a front body mount, as well as engine and transmission mounts, complete custom IFS or Mustang II frontend, plumbed power disc/drum brakes, and a brand-new Currie 9-inch rearend. Total Cost Involved Engineering: 800-984-6250; www.totalcostinvolved.com.

Engineered components, inc.Engineered Components, Inc. now offers a six-lug disc brake conversion for the ’41-54 Chevy/GMC pickup trucks. These new kits utilize 12-inch diameter rotors and big piston calipers from the later GM pickups. The caliper mounting brackets are a bolt-on installation to the stock pickup spindles. Stock hubs, bearings, and seals can be used with a new tapered roller bearing and seal kit available as a recommended option. Stud replacement is required using the new studs provided in the kit. Mid-’80s pickup truck wheels are also required for caliper clearance. ECI also provides dual-chamber master cylinder conversions and power brake units for your early pickup. Engineered Components, Inc.: 860-872-7046; www.ecihotrodbrakes.com.

Bitchin ProductsKnown for their quality street rod sheetmetal products, Bitchin Products also offers a wide variety of items for ’47-54 Chevy pickups-and not just sheetmetal. Along with firewalls, floor and fender apron kits, and cowl vent fillers, Bitchin also offers aluminum gauge bezels for the AD series trucks as well as core supports. Bitchin Products: 800-422-3993; www.bitchinproducts.com.

Inline TubeInline Tube CNC-manufactures a large variety of preformed stainless steel brake, fuel, and transmission line sets for ’47-54 Chevy trucks. Inline Tube also offers replacement lines to factory specs. All line sets come complete with preformed lines in stainless or OEM steel with all the factory correct bends, spring wrap, and fittings on the ends. Just unbolt the old and insert the new. If your truck is custom or upgraded to disc brakes, we offer all the supplies to make your own lines. Inline Tube: 800-385-9452; www.inlinetube.com.

Electric-LifeElectric-Life offers Direct Fit power window kits for ’47-54 Chevy Trucks. Specifically designed for each application, Electric-Life’s Direct Fit kits include a cable-style regulator for an easier, compact installation. The kits are powered by high-quality Bosch electric motors for an ultra-smooth, quiet operation and come complete with wiring pigtails. Electric-Life offers several styles of optional switches and kits (sold separately). The Direct Fit power window kits are manufactured from the same high-quality, ISO9002 certified Italian-made components that it supplies directly to Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Mercedes. Electric-Life: 800-548-2168; www.electric-life.com.

Flaming RiverFlaming River’s 30-inch polished stainless steel column shift (2-inch diameter) steering column is available for ’47-54 Chevy/GMC 3100/KP-Series trucks and puts a lasting impression in the cab of your classic. The column is made in the USA, features 100-percent new components, and has a three-year warranty. It comes equipped with a 1-inch DD shaft, shifter arm, a turn signal/tilt/hazard switch dress-up kit, an illuminated gear selector lens (overdrive lens available separately), a 4 1/2-inch GM-style wiring harness, and a neutral safety switch. The column is also available in paintable mill finish stainless steel. Flaming River: 440-826-4488; www.flamingriver.com.

American AutowireDesigned for a specific year, make, and model configuration, American Autowire’s Classic Update Kits give you one of the most complete wiring kits on the market. Classic Update Kits include many hard-to-find parts and accessories to “Make Wiring THAT Easy.” You get the correct boot and tube assemblies, grommets, connectors, headlight, dimmer, ignition switches, and much more. The ’47-55 Chevy Truck Classic Update Kit is available now (PN 500467) and retails for $499. American Autowire: 800-482-WIRE; www.americanautowire.com.

Superior Glass WorksSuperior Glass Works is a leading manufacturer of fiberglass parts for vintage Chevy trucks. All parts are hand-laid and rolled with three layers of fiberglass. Many parts, such as running boards and the hood, include Coremat for added strength. All parts are finished in a sandable black gelcoat, requiring only minimal preparation before painting. For the First-Series ’47-55 Chevy trucks, the company offers the following parts: stock front and rear fenders; 2-inch widened front and rear fenders; inner fender panels; smooth and widened running boards; splash aprons; hoods; and upper grille trim. Superior Glass Works: 888-731-7670; www.superiorglassworks.com.

Bed Wood And PartsBed Wood and Parts, LLC manufactures bed wood from a broad range of exotic and domestic woods, allowing you to choose a species for your restored or custom classic truck that will enhance your ride and take it to the next level. For the ’47-54 Chevy/GMC they offer not only the OEM eight-board wood set, but also a custom CAD-designed seven-board set, which allows you to center your fuel tank opening between bed strips for a very clean install. All Bed Wood and Parts bed wood kits are milled, fine sanded, and ready to finish, saving you an incredible amount of labor. Bed Wood and Parts, LLC: 877-206-WOOD; www.bedwoodandparts.com.

Doc’s BlocksDoc’s Blocks offers a complete line of radiators, high-performance parts, and accessories, plus fluid transfer system components for water, fuel, and A/C components for most classic trucks-including ’47-54 Chevy/GMCs. A free catalog plus its full line of parts and accessories are available online. Doc’s Blocks: 888-910-8844; www.docsblocks.com.

Diamond Back ClassicsDiamond Back Classics makes an absolutely stunning line of classic and vintage whitewall tires for early pickups, all of which are manufactured using modern state-of-the-art technology. Diamond Back makes any size whitewall or redline you want for your classic truck-especially the ’47-54 Chevys. You can select any size tire from their speed-rated whitewalls from the 60 to 70 series. Every Diamond Back whitewall tire is custom-made to order and is hand-finished, starting with current production radial tires made by the world’s biggest tire makers. Call today for a free catalog. Diamond Back Classics: 888-922-1642; www.dbtires.com.

Specialty Power WindowsSpecialty Power Windows, Inc. offers make-and-model specific “Direct Fit” power windows and electric wiper conversions for your ’47-54 Chevy and GMC pickup. All kits use the same motors and switches GM uses in its power window systems, while all wiper systems are equipped with two-speed self-parking motors and are designed to replace your entire system. Specialty Power Windows offers a “Guaranteed For Life” factory warranty with each kit. Specialty Power Windows, Inc.: 800-634-9801; www.specialtypowerwindows.com.

SoffsealSoffSeal is pleased to offer a variety of complete weatherstripping kits for ’47-53 Chevy/GMC 1/2-ton trucks. Its truck kits include door weatherstrips, front glass channel, rear glass channel, glass run channel, and window weatherstrips. SoffSeal’s products are easy to install and are backed by its 100-percent lifetime satisfaction guarantee. SoffSeal’s trademark attention to detail means you get only the highest quality weatherstripping and rubber detail items for all of your sealing needs. SoffSeal: 800-426-0902; www.soffseal.com.

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